Is a Perpetual Motion Machine Possible?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impossibility of perpetual motion machines, as established by the laws of thermodynamics. Participants unanimously agree that while certain systems, like a rock spinning in space or electric currents in superconductors, can exhibit perpetual motion, they cannot perform work without energy loss. The term "perpetual motion machine" specifically refers to devices that are expected to do work, which is fundamentally unattainable. Claims of perpetual motion are dismissed as unscientific and lacking reproducibility.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the laws of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the concept of energy conservation
  • Knowledge of mechanical systems and their limitations
  • Basic principles of physics related to motion and work
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the laws of thermodynamics and their implications on energy systems
  • Explore examples of systems that exhibit perpetual motion without performing work
  • Study the concept of energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Investigate historical claims of perpetual motion machines and their scientific evaluations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, inventors, and anyone interested in the principles of energy and motion will benefit from this discussion.

danielle36
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I've heard a perpetual motion machine would be impossible, but then that some people out there believe it is. I was wondering if anyone out there has any thoughts on it..
 
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Its papers done by high school flunkiees.
 
It is impossible. You can take that as holy writ.

Claude.
 
By the usual definition of 'perpetual motion', no one with an ounce of brains believes in them. It is possible to have something that moves forever once started, such as a rock spinning in outer space or electric current in a superconducting loop. The point is that no work can be extracted from it without killing it.
 
PMM thread: alive 55 minutes and counting!
 
In this forum we obey the laws of thermodynamics!
 
:smile:...[/color]
 
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=71194&postcount=1


Perpetual motion and "free energy" discussions
Search PF and you will find many threads that have been closed in a number of forums. As for S&D, any claim of this nature would be reproducible and/or testable by the scientific community; hence there is no need for debate.
 
The key here is the term "perpetual motion machine"; the word "machine" makes it a device that helps one do work. As Danger mentioned, there are events that can give the appearence of perpetual motion, but they can't be called machines, 'cause we can't get any work out of 'em.
I don't know if you wanted details as to why such a device can't exist, or if you're just taking a little opinion pol.
 
  • #10
Sorry. We were busy... thread locked.
 

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